The U.S. National Park Service preserves 58 national parks, 390 parks, historic sites, memorials, and recreation areas that attract nearly 300 million visitors every year. Our U.S. national parks are repositories of the nation’s biological diversity and contain some of the last ecosystem remnants that are found nowhere else in the world. Explore US Parks Online

Shenandoah National Park is a beautiful, historic national treasure which includes the 105-mile long Skyline Drive, a National Scenic Byway. The Park covers the crest of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains for over seventy-five miles. The Appalachian Trail roughly parallels the Skyline Drive and 101 miles of this trail run through the Park. (more…)

The state of Utah has 5 national parks:

 

 

 

 

 

Arches National Park

Delicate Arch at Arches National Park
Photo By Palacemusic,GFDL via WikimediaArches National Park is a landscape of contrasting colors, landforms and textures unlike any other in the world. The park has over 2,000 natural stone arches, in addition to hundreds of soaring pinnacles, massive fins and giant balanced rocks. This red rock wonderland will amaze you with its formations, refresh you with its trails, and inspire you with its sunsets. 

Bryce Canyon National Park

Hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National ParkPhoto courtesy of Ken Lund via FlickrHoodoos (odd-shaped pillars of rock left standing from the forces of erosion) can be found on every continent, but Bryce Canyon National Park has the largest collection of hoodoos in the world! Bryce Canyon offers two campground sites (one in winter) and lodging is available at the Bryce Canyon Lodge during the summer season. During winter, hotel rooms are available in the park at the Sunset Hotel. 

Canyonlands National Park

Overlook of Canyonlands National ParkPhoto courtesy of I-Tling Chiang via FlickrCanyonlands National Park invites you to explore a wilderness of countless canyons and fantastically formed buttes carved by the Colorado River and its tributaries. Rivers divide the park into four districts: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the rivers themselves. These areas share a primitive desert atmosphere, with different opportunities for sightseeing and adventure. 

Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National ParkPhoto courtesy of pieboy75 via FlickrCapitol Reef National Park is a hidden treasure filled with cliffs, canyons, domes and bridges in the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline (a wrinkle on the earth) extending almost 100 miles. It is located in south-central Utah in the heart of red rock country.
 

 

Zion National Park

Lower Canyon in Zion National ParkPhoto courtesy of Steve Corey via FlickrIn Zion National Park, follow the paths where ancient native people and pioneers walked. Gaze up at massive sandstone cliffs of cream, pink, and red that soar into a brilliant blue sky. Experience wilderness in a narrow slot canyon. Zion’s unique array of plants and animals will enchant you as you absorb the rich history of the past and enjoy the excitement of present day adventures.